As a pilot career, the principle problems with being an SO at CX is summed up as follows: P2X hours counting for minimal experience, coupled with extended and uncertain career progression, in one of the most expensive places in the world during a pilot shortage. It fails a cost-benefit analysis in this current economic climate, and is uncompetitive to other flying positions offered by other air operators. Even CX’s next door competitors, like HKE or HKA, offers right seat experience for similar experience levels at higher pay and faster career progression. Just the right seat experience alone is worth the weight in gold.
To be frank, making the career competitive again is quite easy for CX if they can only see and address these problems. But without recognising there is a problem, well... what more can anyone say?